St. Petersburg, Florida isn’t just a sunny beach town, it’s one of the most dog-friendly destinations in the United States. From pet-welcoming beachfront resorts to dog-friendly restaurants, parks, beaches, and even boat tours, St. Pete makes traveling with your pup ridiculously easy and fun. Located along Florida’s Gulf Coast, the St. Petersburg–Clearwater area is known for its laid-back vibe, warm weather, and endless outdoor activities and yes, your dog is welcome for most of it. Whether you’re planning a full-on beach vacation, a long weekend getaway, or a road trip with your furry co-pilot, this bucket list covers the best dog-friendly places to stay, eat, play, and explore in St. Petersburg, Florida. As an Amazon affiliate, when you click on some of the links on this page and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission, at no cost to you! By using our affiliate links, you’ll find our favorite picks and support us at the same time. And we really appreciate your support! Sirata Beach Resort Best Dog-Friendly Places to Stay in St. Petersburg, Florida Trade Wind Island Resorts- St. Petersburg It’s not a true family vacation unless everyone in the family can come along – even the furry ones. Discover paradise together at two beach-front properties, TradeWinds Island Grand and RumFish Beach Resort. Your four-legged pal will love the pet-friendly suites, a leash-free Pet Play Zone complete with doggie drinking fountains, fire hydrants, and plenty of shady spots. Enjoy the designated dog walking area and don’t worry if you forget the essentials because the Doggie Accessory Center has you covered with bowls, leashes, toys and towels. Coconut Inn at Pass-a-Grille Enjoy the laid-back vibe at Coconut Inn, located just steps from St. Pete Beach’s Historic Pass-a-Grille Beach. A salty sea breeze, a fresh bowl of water, and tasty treats will welcome you and your pup upon arrival. Just a short walk away is a dog park on 16th Avenue and a dog-friendly beach at the end of Pass-a-Grille Way. Residence Inn St. Petersburg Treasure Island You will enjoy a beachfront escape here. From studios to suites, you can find a room that suits you and your pet’s needs. The large grassy area in front of the hotel is a convenient perk, while sandy pathways near the beach provide a scenic walk. Start your morning with a 10-minute walk, or a short drive, to the beautifully maintained John Morroni Memorial Dog Park, where your canine companion can run off-leash in fenced-in areas. Sirata Beach Resort – St. Pete Beach Check into the Sirata Beach Resort, on St. Pete Beach, and your pet may never want to leave. Catering to the furry kind, this welcoming resort offers designated pet-friendly rooms, two dog walking areas, and a welcome gift at check in. You don’t have to go far to find good food as the resort offers special pet-friendly dining areas at their outdoor beachfront bars and restaurants. Crystal Bay Hotel This historic hotel offers 8 pet-friendly rooms, each designed to make your stay comfortable for both you and your furry friend. There are no breed or size restrictions, and they allow up to two pets per room. Upon arrival, every pet receives a complimentary welcome bag. Leashed pets are allowed in all outdoor areas, as well as the lobby and library. Pro Tip: Be sure to bring your pup’s favorite blanket and toy so they feel more comfortable. Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants in St. Petersburg Cassis American Brasserie Located on Beach Drive, Cassis offers ample outdoor seating and a doggie menu specifically for Fido! Cassis offers French-influenced American classics for brunch, lunch, and dinner. The Ale and Witch Ale and the Witch offers a spacious outdoor courtyard between Beach Drive and the Sundial. There is outdoor seating for your pup. They offer water bowls and treats for your furry friend. The Lure The Lure is a dog-friendly tapas bar and sushi restaurant. Your pup is welcome to join you on the sidewalk patio at a table with an umbrella. They provide water bowls for your pup. They offer menu items that are suitable for pets Three Birds Tavern Three Birds Tavern in St. Petersburg, FL, is a dog-friendly restaurant set in an century old farmhouse. Your pup can join you on the downstairs patio, while you enjoy classics with a modern twist. Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille St Pete Pier Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille St Pete Pier is a waterfront restaurant serving cocktails and Caribbean-inspired eats. Dogs are welcome at pet-friendly tables with umbrellas at ground level below the deck. This is just a sampling of dog-friendly restaurants in St. Petersburg. There are more restaurants in other towns near here. Pro Tip: Bring a towel or blanket to place under your dog’s seating area to catch any spills or crumbs. The Dog Bar Dog-Friendly Bars & Social Spots in St. Petersburg The Dog Bar Located in the heart of the Grand Central District, The Dog Bar is more than just a pet-friendly hangout, it was designed with dogs in mind. This unique spot is an off-leash dog park and a full-service bar combined, allowing your pup to roam and play while you relax with a drink. They also rotate food trucks, so you can get delicious food while your pup plays. With plenty of shade, water stations, and a friendly atmosphere, it’s a must-visit for any dog owner. Two Shepherds Taproom Located just outside St. Pete in nearby Tampa, Two Shepherds Taproom is a must-visit for dog lovers. This indoor/outdoor off-leash dog park and taproom offer a fantastic selection of craft beers, wines, and ciders. With plenty of space for your dog to run and play, it’s a great spot to unwind and socialize with other dog owners. Mutts & Martinis Mutts & Martinis is St. Pete’s only off leash dog. They also have a dry play yard and indoor heated Dog Den for year-round zoomies. Big screens, cold drinks, three dog zones, heated waterpark and plenty of room to roam by your side. Pro Tip: Be sure to bring a towel to dry your pup off after they enjoy the water. These microfiber towels dry quickly and are soft for your dog. Vinoy Park Best Dog Parks in St. Petersburg, Florida North Shore Dog Park North Shore Park’s dog park is a fenced, off-leash area perfect for exercising your pup near the waterfront. This park features a separate large and small dog section, as well as a ‘time-out’ area. Walter Fuller Dog Park Your dog is welcome to play off leash at the Dog Park at Walter Fuller Park. This fenced area features a separate section for small dogs, drinking fountains, fire hydrants and nearby restrooms for humans. Freedom Lake Park The Freedom Lake Park Dog Park features a spacious off-leash area for your pup. They will enjoy all of the amenities at this fenced dog run, including separate areas for large and small dogs, watering holes, hydrants, and plenty of shade. Vinoy Park Vinoy Park is St. Pete’s premier park featuring waterfront views and over 11 acres of open space. It’s a great combination of grass, paved pathways and a seawall where you can stop for amazing views of the Bay, the Pier and occasionally dolphins playing. Leashes are required, but the Northshore Dog Park is next door if your pup needs some off leash fun to get their energy out. Fort De Soto Park Dog-Friendly Beaches St. Petersburg boasts several dog-friendly beaches where your furry friend can run and play in the sand and surf. Fort De Soto Park This is a favorite among locals, with designated dog areas and even a dog shower for after their beach day is over. It’s one of the few spots in the county dedicated completely to dogs where they can play off-leash and swim on the beach to their heart’s content Honeymoon Island State Park This stunning beach is a bit of a trek north. You can take the scenic route to get to the beach through some nature trails. This beach is on-leash and the currents may not be in your favor, so it’s best for more of a scenic walk than a romp. Clearwater North Beach Located just north of Clearwater Beach. Clearwater Beach is not dog friendly, but North beach is. You can catch an incredible sunset with your leashed dog. St. Pete Boat Tours Dog Friendly Activities For the more adventurous duo, there are plenty of water sports to enjoy with your furry friend in St. Petersburg. Island Kayak Tours They provide kayak and paddleboard rentals as well as guided tours through the beautiful waterways of St. Petersburg. Topwater Kayak Outpost This is a pet-friendly watercraft rental company in St. Petersburg. Dogs are welcome to join their owners on a kayaking adventure in the calm waters off Fort De Soto Beach. Paddle together through the Mangrove tunnels to the Gulf on a wet and wild adventure with your best friend. John’s Pass Sunset Cruise If you want to get off the beach and into the water and enjoy a picturesque sunset, the John’s Pass Sunset Cruise is a must-do in Dog-Friendly Tampa Bay. St. Pete Beach Dolphin Tours Your pup is welcome to join you for a private, pet-friendly boat tour at St Pete Beach Dolphin Tours in St. Petersburg. You can choose to do a 2-, 3- or 4-hour excursion with your furry friend, led by a US Coast Guard certified Captain. Pro Tip: If you’re taking your pup on a boat, be sure to have a life vest on them even if they’re good swimmers. Falling off a boat can stun anyone, especially a dog. We used this vest from Outward Hound before, and I like it because it has the handle on top if you need to grab your dog quickly. Final Thoughts: Is St. Petersburg Worth Visiting with Your Dog? If you’re searching for a dog-friendly beach vacation in Florida, St. Petersburg checks every box and then some. Between pet-friendly hotels and resorts, outdoor dining that welcomes dogs, off-leash dog parks, scenic waterfront walks, and beaches where pups can splash and play, this is a destination that truly caters to travelers with dogs. St. Pete strikes the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure, making it ideal for both laid-back beach days and active outings with your pup. Add in sunshine nearly year-round and a community that genuinely embraces dog-friendly travel, and it’s easy to see why so many pet owners return again and again. Bottom line: if your dog is part of the family (and let’s be honest, they are), St. Petersburg, Florida deserves a spot on your bucket list. Post navigation Pet-Friendly Palm Springs Getaway: Where to Stay, Eat & Explore with Your Dog How to Find Pet-Friendly Hotels for Your Vacation – Without Stress